Device and method for detecting objects passing through a passageway

ABSTRACT

An object detection system compensates for variations in transmission characteristics within an object passageway caused by, for example, dust or dirt. An object detection device includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors arranged in rows on opposite sides of a passageway. First lenses focus radiation from the emitters into a semi-columnated beams of radiation that together create a plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation that spans substantially across a width of the passageway. Second lenses focus the received electromagnetic radiation onto corresponding ones of the plurality of radiation detectors. A controller receives a radiation intensity signal from the detectors, determines that its value is outside of a predetermined range, and adjusts an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters so that the value of the radiation intensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 62/928,791, filed on Oct. 31, 2019, the entirety ofwhich is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to devices and methods for detecting objects,such as seeds, passing through a passageway.

BACKGROUND

Seeding machines typically include a passageway through which seeds passprior to being inserted and planted into the ground. Seeding machinesmay include seed counting systems to count a number of seeds that passthrough the passageway. However, existing seed counting systems may beeffected by various factors (for example, dust from the environment inwhich the seeding machine is used) that may negatively affect theaccuracy of the seed counting. Additionally, current designs of seedcounting systems are limited by the rate at which seeds can be counted,typically with a maximum seed counting rate of 20-60 seconds, and cantypically only successfully count larger grains (such as corn orsoybeans).

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, an object detection device to detect movingobjects passing through a passageway conduit includes a plurality ofelectromagnetic radiation (radiation) emitters arranged in a row, and aplurality of radiation detectors configured to receive theelectromagnetic radiation and output an electrical signal correspondingto an intensity of the received electromagnetic radiation. Also, aplurality of first lenses are arranged in a row on a first sidewall ofthe passageway conduit and configured to focus electromagnetic radiationemitted from the radiation emitters into a semi-columnated beams ofelectromagnetic radiation that together create a plane ofsemi-columnated electromagnetic radiation that spans substantiallyacross a width of the passageway conduit. Also, a plurality of secondlenses are arranged in a row on a second sidewall of the passagewayconduit opposite to the first sidewall and arranged to receive the planeof semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation and to focus receivedportions of the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation ontocorresponding ones of the plurality of radiation detectors.

In some embodiments, a controller receives a radiation intensity signalcorresponding to the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation receivedby the plurality of radiation detectors, determine that a value of theradiation intensity signal is outside of a predetermined range, andadjusts an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality ofradiation emitters so that the value of the radiation intensity signalchanges to become within the predetermined range.

In this manner, the light (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) output bythe emitters can be optimized to be within the optimal range ofsensitivity of the detectors and the associated circuitry at all timesin order to provide the widest light sensing resolution possible.Because the output intensity of the emitters can be dynamically adjustedbased on feedback from the detected light intensity signals, factorssuch as dust and debris within the passageway can be accounted for toensure the light received by the detectors remains within the optimalrange of the detectors and the associated sensing circuitry. Byoptimizing the light intensity to correspond to for the widest lightsensing resolution of the detectors and the associated detectioncircuitry, the system helps provide the maximum amount of usable signaldata for use in processing and analyzing resulting light intensitysignals, thereby improving accuracy of the seed counting algorithms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example planting row unit of an agricultural seedingmachine according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a top-down view of the object detection device according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows side view of the object detection device according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows another top-down view of the object detection deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a system architecture of the objectdetection device according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows an example signal diagram according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows flow diagram of a method performed by the object detectiondevice according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a signal diagram with an example received radiationintensity signal according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows different example radiation intensity signals received fordifferent seed types according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a set of signal diagrams, including a scaled radiationintensity signal according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows another example radiation intensity signal according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a curve of an average duty cycle and theseeds per pulse according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a curve of the estimated seeds per pulseagainst an average duty cycle and an average pulse width according tovarious embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example row planting unit12 of an agricultural seeding machine 10 according to variousembodiments. As shown, seeding machine 10 is in the form of a row cropplanter but may also be other forms of machines. FIG. 1 illustrates asingle row planting unit 12 of a multi-row planter. In certainimplementations, each row planting unit 12 of a multi-row planter may besubstantially identical and connected to a machine frame 14 shown as atool bar. Only a single row planting unit 12 is shown and describedbelow in FIG. 1 for sake of simplicity. Row planting unit 12 may includea multi-part row unit frame 16 that may be attached to the tool bar by aparallel linkage 18. The tool bar is coupled to a traction unit (notshown), such as an agricultural tractor. For example, tool bar may becoupled to an agricultural tractor using a draw bar or 3-point hitchassembly. The tool bar may be coupled with transport wheel assemblies,marker arms, or other assemblies, which may be of conventional designand not shown for clarity.

In various embodiments, the frame 16 carries a double disc trench opener20 for forming a seed trench 26 in soil 27. An optional coulter wheel 22and row cleaner 23, particularly for use in no till situations, may beplaced ahead of double disc trench opener 20. A pair of trench depthregulating members 25 in the form of gauge wheels 24 may be respectivelyassociated with the pair of discs of the double disc trench opener 20.More particularly, each gauge wheel 24 may be positioned generally inline with and immediately adjacent to the outside of each respectivedisc of the double disc trench opener 20. The gauge wheels 24 may bevertically adjusted to change the depth of the trench that is cut intothe soil 27 using the double disc trench opener 20. A seed meter 32 mayalso be carried by frame 16. The seed meter 32 receives seed from a seedhopper 28 carried above the seed meter on the frame 16. The seed meter32 delivers seed sequentially to a passageway conduit, such as a seedtube 36, through which the seed falls into or is otherwise placed intothe trench 26. The seed tube 36 may include or be integrated with anobject detection device 50 (or seed detection device) to detect objectssuch as seeds as they pass through the seed tube 36. A trench closerassembly 40 follows behind the gauge wheels 24 to close the trench 26after the seed tube 36 places the seed within the trench 26. In variousembodiments, the trench closer assembly 40 includes a closing wheel 42positioned generally in line with double disc trench opener 20 to pushthe soil 27 back into the trench 26 on top of the seeds deposited in thetrench 26.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top-down view of the object detection device 50integrated with the passageway conduit (e.g., seed tube 36). FIG. 3illustrates a side view of the object detection device 50 integratedwith the passageway conduit (e.g., seed passageway or seed tube 36). Ahousing or enclosure 202 is shown, forming the structure of the conduit200, in which an opening or passageway 204 is formed. The passageway 204allows objects such as seeds or other material to flow generallydownward, for example, from the seed meter 32 toward the soil 27. Across-sectional shape of the passageway 204 may be rectangular in shape,as shown in FIG. 2, or may have other shapes. Additionally, thecross-sectional shape and/or size of the passageway 204 may change alongthe length of the conduit 200. In one particular embodiment, thepassageway 204, at a location where the object detection device 50 isintegrated, is approximately 35 mm by 25 mm, though other sizes arepossible.

The object detection device 50 includes a plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters 206 configured to emit electromagnetic radiation(e.g., light). The object detection device 50 also includes a pluralityof radiation detectors 208 configured to receive electromagneticradiation and output an electrical signal corresponding to an intensityof the received electromagnetic radiation.

In various embodiments, the radiation emitters 206 comprise lightemitting diodes (LEDs). In one example, the LEDs are infrared (IR) LEDsthat emit light within the infrared frequency spectrum ofelectromagnetic radiation. However, other types of LEDs are possible,including those that emit visible light or ultraviolet (UV) light.Similarly, the radiation detectors 208 may comprise photodiodesconfigured to receive electromagnetic radiation in the form of light(e.g., IR, UV, or visible light). In a particular example, the detectors208 are IR light photodiodes, though other types of photodiodes arepossible. Typically, the type of emitter 206 and detector 208 correspondto one another such that if IR LEDs are used for the emitters 206,corresponding IR detectors (e.g. IR photodetectors) are used for thedetectors 208.

The terms “electromagnetic radiation” and “radiation” are usedinterchangeably herein, and may include visible light, specific colorsor frequencies ranges of visible light, infrared (IR) light, ultraviolet(UV) light, or other frequency ranges of electromagnetic radiation,alone or in combination. Additionally, the term “light” may be usedherein in lieu of the term “electromagnetic radiation.” However, the useof the term “light” herein, unless otherwise specified, is not intendedto limit the frequency ranges of the electromagnetic radiation utilizedin this disclosure to only the frequency spectrums for visible light,infrared light, ultraviolet light, or other frequencies ofelectromagnetic radiation typically labelled “light.” Instead, unlessotherwise specified, the current disclosure is usable with frequenciesof electromagnetic radiation beyond those typically labelled as “light,”even if the term “light” is used herein.

In various approaches, a commensurate number of emitters 206 anddetectors 208 are used, and in various embodiments, the numbers areequal. In one embodiment as is shown in FIG. 2, six emitters 206 and sixdetectors 208 are utilized, however, different numbers of emitters 206and detectors 208 can be used. In certain embodiments, the emitters 206and/or the detectors 208 are arranged in a row, and may be in a straightline with equidistant spacing. For example, the emitters 206 may bewithin, disposed on, or attached to a first sidewall 210 of the conduit200 forming the passageway 204, while the detectors 208 may be within,disposed on, or attached to a second sidewall 212 of the conduit 200forming the passageway 204 that is opposite to the first sidewall 210.As such, light emitted from the emitters 206 travels across thepassageway 204 to the detectors 208.

The object detection device 50 may also include a plurality of firstlenses 214 (emitter lenses) arranged in a row on the first sidewall 210of the conduit 200 forming passageway 204. A number of the plurality offirst lenses 214 may be commensurate in number to a number of theplurality of radiation emitters 206, and may be the same or equal innumber.

Each one of the plurality of first lenses 214 is configured to focus orcolumnate the electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) emitted from acorresponding one of the plurality of emitters 206 into asemi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light). Theindividual semi-columnated beams are shown at 216-221 in FIG. 2. Asingle individual semi-columnated beam 217 is shown in FIG. 4. Thesemi-columnated beam may refer to electromagnetic radiation that has asubstantially columnar, substantially cylindrical, or semi-conicalshape. In various approaches, the outer boundary of the shape of thewidth of the beam may be parallel to or angled slightly outward withrespect to the central axis of the ray. Also, in various embodiments,the outer boundary of the shape of the electromagnetic radiation orlight can be defined by a location in the cross-section of the beamwhere the light intensity is half (i.e., −3 Decibels) that of a peakintensity level defined at a central axis of the beam. However, othermethods of measuring or defining the shape of the semi-columnated beamare possible.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of first lenses 214 mayhave a convex shape, with a convex portion facing toward a respectiveemitter 206. Similarly, the sides of the first lenses 214 facing thepassageway 204 may be relatively flat and may confirm to the shape ofthe inside of the first sidewall 210 to form a relatively smoothtransition between the enclosure and the first lenses 214 to allow seedsand other material to slide downward through the passageway 204 withouthindrance. So configured, each of the plurality of first lenses 214focuses the light emitted from the emitters 206 into the semi-columnatedbeams of light described above.

When the plurality of first lenses 214 are placed in a row, as shown inFIGS. 2-4, the plurality of first lenses 214 together are configured tocreate a plane 222 of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation (e.g.light). In various approaches, the plane 222 may span substantiallyacross a width of the passageway 204 of the conduit 200 so as to avoiddead zones at the edges of the plane 222 in the passageway 204 near thetransverse sidewalls of the conduit 200. The plane 222 may be orientedperpendicular to the direction of travel of the objects within thepassageway 204.

In various embodiments, a diffusion layer 224 is disposed on a surfaceof the plurality of first lenses 214 opposite from the plurality ofemitters 206. The diffusion layer 224 is configured to diffuse theelectromagnetic radiation exiting the plurality of first lenses 214 toaid in generating the plane 222 of semi-columnated electromagneticradiation. For example, the diffusion layer 224 may slightly diffuse thesemi-columnated beams of light to ensure that there are no dead zonesbetween individual beams where no electromagnetic radiation exists sothat seeds or other objects cannot slip through those dead zonesundetected. The diffusions layer 224 also helps create a more uniformlight plane 222 having a more uniform intensity across the cross-sectionof the light plane 222.

In certain approaches, the plurality of first lenses 214 are configuredsuch that an edge of a first semi-columnated beam of electromagneticradiation (e.g., 216) focused by a first lens of the plurality of firstlenses 214 overlaps with an edge of a second semi-columnated beam (e.g.,217) of electromagnetic radiation focused by a second lens of theplurality of first lenses 214 that is adjacent to the firstsemi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., 216). Forexample, FIG. 2 shows the overlap 226 of the edge of beam 216 with theedge of beam 217. This overlap (e.g., 226) helps reduce dead zonesbetween the beams of the light plane 222 and helps create a more uniformlight plane 222 having a more uniform intensity across the cross-sectionof the light plane 222.

The object detection device 50 may also include a plurality of secondlenses 228 (detector lenses) arranged in a row on the second sidewall212 of the conduit 200 forming the passageway 204 opposite to the firstsidewall 210. A number of the plurality of second lenses 228 may becommensurate in number to a number of the plurality of radiationdetectors 208 and/or the number of the plurality of first lenses 214,and may be the same or equal in number to either or both. The pluralityof second lenses 228 together is arranged to receive the plane 222 ofsemi-columnated electromagnetic radiation. Each one of the plurality ofsecond lenses 228 is configured to focus a received portion of the plane222 of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation onto a correspondingone of the plurality of radiation detectors 208.

In various embodiments, similar to the plurality of first lenses 214,each of the plurality of second lenses 228 may have a convex shape, witha convex portion facing toward a respective detector 208. Similarly, thesides of the second lenses 228 facing the passageway 204 may berelatively flat and may confirm to the shape of the inside of the secondsidewall 212 to form a relatively smooth transition between theenclosure 202 and the second lenses 228 to allow seeds and othermaterial to slide downward through the passageway 204 without hindrance.So configured, each of the plurality of second lenses 228 focuses thereceived portion of the light plane 222 onto a corresponding detector208.

With reference to FIG. 4, the plurality of second lenses 228 may beconfigured such a first lens (e.g., 230) of the plurality of secondlenses 228 associated with the first semi-columnated beam ofelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., see FIG. 2, beam 216) also receives aportion of the second semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation(e.g., 217) and focuses the portion of the second semi-columnated beamof electromagnetic radiation (e.g., 217) onto a first radiation detector(e.g., 232) of the plurality of radiation detectors 208 corresponding tothe first lens (e.g., 230) of the plurality of second lenses 228. Forexample, a portion of the beam 217 may be received by the a second lens232 that is primarily associated with the beam 217, and the second lens232 may focus that received portion onto a second detector 238corresponding to the second lens 232. But other portions of the beam 217may also be received by the first lens 230 and a third lens 234 that areboth adjacent to the second lens 232. The first lens 230 may then focusits received portion of the beam 217 onto the corresponding firstdetector 236, and the third lens 234 may then focus its received portionof the beam 217 onto the corresponding third detector 240. In thismanner, a majority of the light plane 222 can be detected by theplurality of detectors 218.

By columnating the electromagnetic radiation into semi-columnated beams216-221 that together form the plane 222 of electromagnetic radiation, ahigh light efficiency is achieved wherein a high percentage of the lightemitted by the plurality of emitters 206 is directed toward and detectedby the plurality of detectors 208. Conversely, previous methods simplybroadcast light without first columnating the light. Such systems had aconsiderably lower light efficiency. With such an improved lightefficiency, the plurality of emitters 206 can be operated at a lowerpower or with a lower current. Further, because the plurality ofemitters 206 can be operated with lower power or current due to the highlight efficiency, the output intensity of the emitters 206 can beincreased as needed in the field without being in danger of reaching amaximum power output of the emitters 206. Such increases in outputintensity may be required to account for decreased light transmissioncaused by blockages or dust within the passageway 204, as is discussedin more detail below.

In alternatively embodiments, additional sets of emitters, detectors,and lenses can be configured to create additional planes ofelectromagnetic radiation. Such additional planes can be locatedupstream or downstream along the passageway 204 from the first plane222. In one approach, a second plane can be created such that the lighttravels at a 90 degree angle (or another angle) relative to the light ofthe first plane 222 to detect objects or seeds at a different angle. Invarious embodiments, emitters and detectors for a second plane couldutilize a different frequency of electromagnetic radiation than isutilized for the first plane 222. Other variations are possible,including even more planes, or even a matrix of planes to create a two-or three-dimensional sensing of objects or seeds passing through thepassageway 204.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a system architecture of the objectdetection device 500 in accordance with various embodiments. The device500 may include a controller 502 which may be coupled to or include oneor more memories 504. The controller 502 may comprise one or moreprocessing devices coupled to the one or more memories, for example,with a data bus. The processing device may be a Central Processing Unit(CPU), microcontroller, or a microprocessor, and/or may include or beimplemented with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC),Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA). The controller 502 may also be implemented with circuitry thatincludes discrete logic or other circuit components, including analogcircuit components, digital circuit components or both. The circuitrymay include discrete interconnected hardware components or may becombined on a single integrated circuit die, distributed among multipleintegrated circuit dies, or implemented in a Multiple Chip Module (MCM)of multiple integrated circuit dies in a common package, as examples.The memory 504 may comprise a flash memory, a Random Access Memory(RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read OnlyMemory (EPROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), other magnetic or optical disk,or another machine-readable nonvolatile medium or other tangible storagemediums other than a transitory signal. The memory 504 may store thereinsoftware modules and instructions that, when executed by the processingdevice of the controller 502, cause the processing device to implementany of the processes described herein or illustrated in the drawings.The memory 504 may also store other data for use by the processingdevice 502 and/or historical information regarding the operation of thedevice 500.

The controller 502 may include or implement an object or seedcounting/detection algorithm 506 (discussed below). The controller 502mat also include or implement optics control 508 to control the emitter206 and detector 208 and associated circuitry. The controller 502 mayalso include or implement a state machine 510 including rules tointerface with the vehicle via the vehicle interfaces 512, and/or toimplement overall control over the operations of the controller 502. Thecontroller 502 may communication with the vehicle interfaces 512, forexample, via a CAN bus or another wired or wireless communicationprotocol.

The seeding machine 10 may optionally include a user interface 524 thatis also connected to the vehicle interfaces 512, for example, to providereal-time or historical information to a driver about the seed count.The user interface 524 may include a display screen that providesvarious textual and graphical data representing various information anddata relating to the operation or settings of seeding machine 10,including data relating to the seed count, and/or the tractor. The userinterface 524 may also comprise audible or sensory outputs that providethe user with audible (e.g., sounds or spoken words) or tactileinformation (such as seat rumbles or other vibrations). The userinterface 524 may also include an input device for receiving commandsfrom the user, such as a touch screen, buttons or switches, voicecommand, or the like. The user interface 524 can be located within a cabof a tractor to allow the user to receive information and providecommands while operating the tractor. Alternatively, the user interface524 can be provided via a mobile device in communication with thevehicle interfaces 512, for example, via a wired or wireless interfacesuch as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The device 500 also may include a driver 514, the plurality ofelectromagnetic radiation emitters 206, the plurality of electromagneticradiation detectors 208, an emitter temperature sensor 516, a detectortemperature sensor 518, a preamp 520, and a gain and offset amplifier522. An output of the controller 502 is electrically coupled to an inputof the driver 514, so that the controller 502 can send signals to thedriver 514 to control the operations of the driver 514. An output of thedriver 514 is electrically coupled to the plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters 206. The driver 514 is configured to control andprovide power or current to the plurality of electromagnetic radiationemitters 206 to control the intensity of light output by the emitters206. The driver 514 may include a plurality of outputs, each connectedto a different emitter 206, and may be configured to control each of theemitters 206 independently.

The plurality of electromagnetic radiation detectors 208 are configuredto receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitters 206and to output an electrical signal corresponding to an intensity of thereceived electromagnetic radiation. In various embodiments, theelectrical signal is a current value corresponding to the intensity ofthe received radiation. The detectors 208 have outputs electricallycoupled to one or more preamps 520. Each individual detector 208 may beelectrically coupled to a different preamp 520, or may be electricallycoupled to the same preamp 520. The one or more preamps 520 receive theoutput electrical signals (e.g., current) from the detectors 208 andconvert the current signal into a corresponding light intensity voltagesignal. The preamp 520 may also utilize a scaling factor when convertingthe current signal to the light intensity voltage signal.

The output of the preamp 520 is optionally electrically coupled to aninput of the optional gain and offset amplifier 522. However, the outputof the preamp 520 can also be electrically coupled to the controllerwithout the gain and offset amplifier 522. In various embodiments, thecontroller 502 may include an analog to digital converter (ADC) at itsinput, which ADC may have input signal requirements. The gain and offsetamplifier 522 is configured to amplify and offset, if necessary, thelight intensity voltage signal received from the preamp 520 to be withinthe requirements for the controller's ADC. The output of the gain andoffset amplifier 522 (i.e., a radiation intensity signal) iselectrically coupled to the input of the controller 502, for example, atthe controller's ADC. Optionally, the controller 502 can control thegain and offset amplifier 522 to alter its gain and/or offset based onreceived signals to optimize the radiation intensity signal output fromthe gain and offset amplifier 522 for use with the ADC.

Additionally, the device 500 may include an emitter temperature sensor516 that is configured to sense a temperature associated with theplurality of radiation emitters 206 and output a radiation emittertemperature signal to the controller 502. Similarly, the device 500 mayinclude a detector temperature sensor 518 that is configured to sense atemperature associated with the plurality of radiation detectors 208 andoutput a radiation detector temperature signal to the controller 502.The temperature sensors 516 and 518 may be thermally connected to theemitters 206 and detectors 208 or may be simply located in closeproximity (e.g., with compartments housing the emitters 206 anddetectors 208) so as to determine an approximate temperature of theemitters 206 and detectors 208.

The device 500, and the controller 502 in particular, is configured toperform a multitude of operations. In one embodiment, the controller 502receives the radiation intensity signal corresponding to the intensityof the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of radiationdetectors 208. The controller 502 may sample the radiation intensitysignal output from the gain and offset amplifier 522 corresponding tothe intensity of the electromagnetic radiation received by the pluralityof radiation detectors 208. The ADC of the controller 502 converts theanalog version of the radiation intensity signal into a digital versionof the signal, which is then sampled and optionally stored by thecontroller 502. In various approaches, the controller samples theradiation intensity signal every 50 microseconds (i.e., at 20 kHz),however other sample rates are possible.

In one approach, a single radiation intensity signal that represents allof the combined light intensities detected by the combined set of thedetectors 208 is provided to the controller 502.

In an alternative approach, multiple radiation intensity signals thateach represent different light intensities detected by different ones ofthe detectors 208 can be provided to the controller 502. In thisapproach, the plurality of semi-columnated beams of electromagneticradiation (e.g., 216-221) from the plurality of first lenses 214 eachcomprise a separate radiation channel between a corresponding radiationemitter and a corresponding radiation detector. For example, withreference to FIG. 2, the beam 216 would comprise a first radiationchannel between the emitter depicted at the upper-most position and thedetector depicted at the upper-most position. The controller 502 maythen sample a radiation intensity signal corresponding to the intensityof the electromagnetic radiation of each radiation channel as receivedby the plurality of radiation detectors 208. Each radiation channel andthe associated radiation intensity signal is time-varying and can varyfrom sample to sample. For example, a signal strength (e.g., peak signalstrength, mean signal strength, mode signal strength, or median signalstrength) and/or a signal phase received at the detectors 208 and/or thecontroller 502 can be time-varying. In certain approaches, thecontroller 502 can store in the memory 504 the samples of each of thesampled radiation intensity signals.

After receiving the radiation intensity signal, the controller 502 maydetermine that a value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of apredetermined range. For example, the controller 502 may determine thatthe received radiation intensity signal is above or below the bounds ofthe predetermined range, indicating that the intensity of the lightreceived by the detectors 208 is above or below an acceptable range.

For example, dust, dirt, and/or debris within the passageway 204 and onthe lenses 214 and 228 may occlude or otherwise attenuate thetransmission of the light from the emitters 206 to the detectors 208. Inthis situation, the intensity of the light may become lower than anoptimal range for detection of the light. Conversely, if dust, dirt,and/or debris that was previously present is no longer within the lighttransmission path, their attenuating effects may be removed and theintensity of the light may become higher than an optimal range fordetection of the light.

In various embodiments, the predetermined range for the radiationintensity signal corresponds to an optimal sensing range of theplurality of radiation detectors 208, the amplifiers 520, 522, or aninput of the controller 502 (e.g., the ADC) that receives the radiationintensity signal. For example, if the emitters 206 were simply run at amaximum power (and there are no occlusion effects from dust or debris),the intensity of the light received by the detectors 208 could saturatethe output of the detectors 208, could saturate the preamp 520 and/orthe gain and offset amplifier 522, and/or could exceed the maximum inputvalue of the ADC of the controller 502. As such, very little usable datawould be received by the controller 502 to perform seed counting. Thisis even more likely to happen due to the high light transmissionefficiency created by the columnated radiation beams, discussed above.Also, if the light is too intense, then an amplitude of a change inlight intensity due to passing of a seed through the light would be avery small ratio of the overall detected radiation intensity signal. Assuch, resolution for detecting the seed would be decreased.

Conversely, if the system were merely configured so that the maximumlight intensity in an ideal transmission situation (e.g., no dust ordirt) is under the maximum allowable signal, then as soon as any dirt,dust, or debris is within the transmission path, the overall lightintensity can become too low such that the amplitude of any change inthe light intensity due to a seed would be very small. As such,resolution for detecting the seed is again decreased.

In order to keep the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation (e.g.,light) within an optimal sensing range for detecting the seeds passingthrough, the controller 502 utilized feedback to control the intensityof the electromagnetic radiation by the emitters 206. If the controller502 determines that the value of the radiation intensity signal isoutside of the predetermined range, the controller 502 can adjust anamount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiationemitters 206 to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity ofelectromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of radiation emitters206 so that the value of the radiation intensity signal received by thecontroller 502 changes to become within the predetermined range. Putanother way, if the received radiation intensity signal is too low(e.g., due to dust or dirt), the controller 502 increases the power tothe emitters 206 such that the received radiation intensity signal isincreased to become within the acceptable range.

In this manner, and combined with the high light transmission efficiencydue to the columnated light, the controller can adjust the intensity ofthe emitters 206 to account for up to 90% blockage of the lighttransmission while maintaining the received light intensity within thepredetermined range (e.g., the optimal range). As such, the controller502 can operate to detect and count objects or seeds with high accuracyin a very wide range of cleanliness conditions from nearly spotless tovery dusty and dirty. Increased accuracy may include a more accurateseed or object count, which may further include the reduction orelimination or false negative or false positive seed detections. Such asolution is particularly advantageous in a seed counting applicationsetting, where the environment is particularly dirty and dusty.

In a similar manner, the controller 502 can also account forelectromagnetic radiation transmission efficiency changes caused bytemperature variations of the plurality of radiation emitters 206 and/orthe plurality of detectors 208. For example, as the plurality ofradiation emitters 206 increase in temperature, their output efficiencydecreases (e.g., it takes more power to achieve the same lightintensity). The controller 502 receives the radiation emittertemperature signal from the emitter temperature sensor 516. Thecontroller 502 can then adjust an amount of electrical power supplied tothe plurality of radiation emitters 206 to at least one of increase ordecrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by theplurality of radiation emitters 206. For example, the controller mayutilize an equation or algorithm that equates power to light intensityat different temperatures, or may utilize a lookup table or the like.

Because the passage of seeds through the received light necessarilylowers the intensity of the light, the controller 502 is configured tomeasure and compare the received radiation intensity signal to thepredetermined range at a time when no seeds are passing through theplane of light. Thus, the controller 502 may perform the step ofdetermining that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outsideof the predetermined range in response to determining that no movingobjects are passing through the plane 222 of semi-columnatedelectromagnetic radiation. A process to determine that no objects arepassing through the plane 222 is discussed in further detail, below. Assuch, the controller 502 can avoid accidentally increasing the lightintensity that would otherwise be caused by misinterpreting a loweredreceived light intensity due to seed passage through the light plane 222rather than due to non-seed occlusions (e.g., dirt, dust, and debris).

The controller 502 may adjust the power supplied to the entire group ofthe plurality of emitters 206 as a whole. Alternatively or additionally,the controller 502 may adjust the power supplied to individual ones ofthe plurality of emitters 206. In one approach, the controller 502 canperform a diagnostic step when no seeds are passing through thepassageway 204 to determine the light intensity received from eachindividual emitter 206. With reference to FIG. 4, the controller 502 maycontrol operation of a one individual radiation emitter (e.g., 242) ofthe plurality of radiation emitters 206 to emit electromagneticradiation (e.g., beam 217) while at the same time controlling operationof a remainder of the plurality of radiation emitters 206 to not emitelectromagnetic radiation. The controller 502 may then receive aradiation intensity signal (e.g., a second radiation intensity signal)corresponding to an intensity of radiation received by at least oneindividual radiation detector (e.g., 238) of the plurality of radiationdetectors 208 corresponding to the one individual radiation emitter(e.g., 242). For example, as discussed above, the radiation intensitysignal may be received from all of the plurality of detectors 208,wherein the majority of the signal is created by the one detector 238 asthe light from the one emitter 242 is focused primarily on the onedetector 238. Alternatively, the detectors other than the one detector238 can be deactivated by the controller 502 such that they do notgenerate radiation intensity signals that are combined with signals fromthe one detector 238. Alternatively still, the radiation intensitysignal may be generated and received individually from the one detector238 in an instance where each of the plurality of detectors 208 eachprovide their own radiation intensity signals to the controller 502.

The controller 502 may determine that a value of the radiation intensitysignal corresponding to that single beam (e.g., 217) and emitter (e.g.,242) is outside of a predetermined range. In response, the controller502 can then adjust an amount of electrical power supplied to the oneradiation emitter (e.g., 242) to at least one of increase or decrease anintensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one radiationemitter (e.g., 242) so that the value of the radiation intensity signalchanges to become within the predetermined range. This predeterminedrange for the radiation intensity signal for individual beams may belower than the predetermined range for the entirety of plane 222 assensed by all of the detectors 208.

Similarly, the controller 502 can control operation of the remainder ofthe plurality of radiation emitters 206 to emit electromagneticradiation one at a time during different time segments. The controller502 can receive radiation intensity signals corresponding to intensitiesof electromagnetic radiation received by the remainder of the pluralityof radiation detectors 208, either collectively or one at a time. Asdiscussed above, each individual radiation detector of the remainder ofthe plurality of radiation detectors 208 corresponds to an individualradiation emitter of the remainder of the plurality of radiationemitters 206, which receives the electromagnetic radiation during thedifferent time segments. The controller 502 may determine for eachindividual radiation emitter 206 whether a value of the radiationintensity signal is outside of the predetermined range. The controller502 may then responsively adjust the amount of electrical power suppliedto the individual radiation emitters to at least one of increase ordecrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by theindividual radiation emitters so that the value of the radiationintensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.

In this manner, the controller 502 can fine tune the illuminationintensity for each individual emitter 206 to account for different lighttransmission attenuation factors across the plane 222. For example, onelens of the plurality of first lenses 214 or of the plurality of secondlenses 228 may have more dirt or dust on it than another lens, and thecontroller 502 may account for the specific light transmissionattenuation for that associated beam by increasing the intensity oflight output by that corresponding emitter.

According to the above description, the controller 502 can compensatefor occlusion of the plane 222 of semi-columnated electromagneticradiation caused by build-up of dust and seed particles on at least oneof the plurality of first lenses 214 or the plurality of second lenses228 by adjusting the amount of the electrical power supplied to theplurality of radiation emitters.

In other embodiments, the controller can also account for noise withinthe received and sampled radiation intensity signal. Such noise may becaused by a plurality of factors, including, for example, voltage driftof various circuit components (e.g., amplifiers 520 and 522), electronicnoise, varying biasing voltages. However, a major source of noise withinthe intensity signal is caused by dust and debris present in and movingthrough the plane 222 of electromagnetic radiation that temporarily anddynamically occludes the plane 222. Particularly, in the dustyenvironment in which seeding machines are used, dust can play a majorrole in dynamically increasing a noise floor of the intensity signalreceived and processed by the controller 502. This increased noise floorcan, in certain approaches, trigger false seed detection events,negatively affect the resolution of the signal, and can otherwisedecrease the accuracy of the seed counting algorithm.

FIG. 6 shows an example signal diagram with two superimposed signals.The bottom signal 602 shows the radiation intensity signal received andsampled by the controller 502. As is shown, the drift of the signal,which is primarily caused by dust within the passageway 204, issignificant. Accordingly, a single threshold cannot be selected withwhich to detect pulses within the signal. For example, if a thresholdwas set at a higher value in order to detect the negative pulses on theleft side of the signal diagram, when the noise causes the signalstrength to drift downward as shown on the right side of the signaldiagram, many false positives and/or a continuous positive signal mayoccur. Alternatively, if the threshold was set at a lower value in orderto detect the negative pulses on the right side of the signal diagram,the controller 502 may not detect the negative pulses on the left sideof the signal diagram because the pulses do not drop low enough.Conversely, the top signal 604 shows a signal that has been scaled(e.g., at 1V) to account for the changing base noise floor within thesignal such that a he threshold can be selected and utilized to detectthe pulses across different base noise floors.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method performed by the object(e.g., seed) detection device 500, and in particular the controller 502,for adjusting a radiation intensity signal to account for the level ofnoise in the signal to improve the object counting accuracy inaccordance with various approaches. The method achieves this by updatinga base noise floor value to be equal to a current value of the receivedradiation intensity signal only when certain conditions are met.

As discussed above, the controller 502 is coupled to the pluralityelectromagnetic radiation detectors 208 and receives the radiationintensity signal corresponding to an intensity of electromagneticradiation received by the plurality of radiation detectors 208. At 704,the controller 502 may then determine that a value of the radiationintensity signal is within a voltage threshold. This indicates that noseed is passing through the plane 222 of electromagnetic radiationreceived by the plurality of radiation detectors 208 at that time. Incertain approaches, the voltage threshold is dynamic and includes avoltage offset added to the current value of the base noise floor(determined during a previous iteration of the method 700). As such, thevoltage threshold may account for the currently set base noise floor sothat only signal changes caused by seeds passing through the plane 222,rather than changes due to the noise itself (e.g., the dust), will beoutside of the voltage threshold.

If the value of the signal is within the voltage threshold, then, at706, the controller 502 may determine a derivative of the radiationintensity signal to determine a slope of a change in the signal. Thecontroller 502 may utilize the current and historical samples of theintensity signal to calculate the derivative of the signal over time ina known manner. Also at 706, the controller 502 determines that thederivative of the radiation intensity signal is less than a derivativethreshold level. If so, then, at 708, the controller updates a counterthat keeps track of how long the derivative of the radiation intensitysignal is less than the derivative threshold level. The method will thenrepeat itself with a next sample of the incoming radiation intensitysignal.

When the derivative of the radiation intensity signal exceeds thederivative threshold level, it is an indicator that a seed may bepassing through the light plane 222. Because seed events usually have asharp onramp profile, the derivative is used to detect this transitionto determine whether seeds are passing through the light plane 222.Thus, the converse is true, such that when the derivative of theradiation intensity signal does not exceed the derivative thresholdlevel, it is a strong indicator that no seed is passing through thelight plane 222. By comparing the signal and its derivative to thevoltage threshold and the derivative threshold levels, respectively, ahigh confidence can be achieved that no seeds are presently passingthrough the light plane 222, which is the proper time to during which toadjust the base noise floor value.

After at least a predefined time (set by the counter at 708) elapses(e.g., a predetermined number of incoming samples are received), duringwhich time the derivative of the radiation intensity signal is less thanthe derivative threshold level and during which the value of the signalis within the voltage threshold, the controller 502 will then at 710responsively update a base noise floor value to be the current value ofthe radiation intensity signal. This updated base noise floor valueaccounts for particles within the path of the plane 222 ofelectromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of radiationdetectors to improve an accuracy of an object counting system. However,as discussed above, updating the base noise floor is only performed upondetermining that no seed is present in the light plane 222 for at leasta predetermined amount of time as set by the counter at 708. Otherwise,the base noise floor could be updated during times in which seedsinfluence the noise floor, which would not properly reflect the noisecaused by dust and other factors besides the actual seeds. When the basenoise floor value is updated, the counters are cleared and the method700 repeats itself for the next sample.

In certain embodiments, situations can occur where the noise caused bythe dust can change drastically such that the received intensity signalis outside of the range of the voltage threshold, which voltagethreshold would otherwise indicate the presence of a seed. However, themethod 700 can distinguish between such drastic changes caused by seedsand those caused by noise (e.g., dust or debris).

As stated above, the controller 502 can receive the radiation intensitysignals from the detectors 208. In a certain example, these receivedintensity signals may be received at a subsequent time from theintensity signals discussed above. At 704, the controller 502 determinesthat a value of this subsequent radiation intensity signal is outside ofthe voltage threshold and the controller 502 updates a second counter at712 that keeps track of how long the values of these subsequentradiation intensity signal samples are outside of the voltage threshold.The method will then repeat itself with a next sample of the incomingradiation intensity signal.

After a predetermined elapsed abnormality time (set by the secondcounter at 712) elapses, during which time the value of the subsequentradiation intensity signal was outside of the voltage threshold, thecontroller 502 will determine at 714 that the signal has been outside ofthe voltage threshold for an abnormally long time. As such, thecontroller 502 will then move to the second stage of the seed detectionprocess to determine, at 706 and 708, that the derivative of theintensity signal is less than the derivative threshold level for atleast the predefined elapsed time. If the predetermined elapsed time at708 elapses, indicating that the slope of the signal has been low for awhile, then there is a high confidence that no seed is currently passingthrough the light plane 222. As such, it can be determined that the factthat the radiation intensity signal is outside of the voltage thresholdis caused by a change in the noise and not by a seed. Accordingly, at710, the controller 502 will then responsively update the base noisefloor value to be the current value of the radiation intensity signal.

FIG. 8 shows a signal diagram with an example received radiationintensity signal 802 (shown inverted, where the upward pulses indicate areduction in received light intensity due to seeds passing), and aresulting signal corresponding to the base noise floor values 804 asupdated by the controller 502 in accordance with the method 700. In oneembodiment, the base noise floor values 804 represents an unfilteredversion of the base noise floor values.

Returning to FIG. 7, the unfiltered updated base noise floor values arecaptured and saved at 716 by the controller 502 to create the base noisefloor signal, as illustrated at 804 in FIG. 8. In one approach, at 718,the controller 502 can filter the unfiltered base noise floor values orsignal using a low pass filter. This low pass filter can be implementedby utilizing a historical comparison of the current unfiltered basenoise floor value to at least one previous filtered base noise floorvalue to generate an updated filtered base noise floor value or signalat 720. Other known methods of implementing a low pass filter on theunfiltered base noise floor signal can be implemented as well.

Once the controller 502 has the updated base noise floor signal, thecontroller 502 can then scale the radiation intensity signal accordingto the base noise floor value to generate a scaled radiation intensitysignal. Alternatively, if filtering is utilized at 718, the controller502 can scale the radiation intensity signal according to the updatedfiltered base noise floor value to generate the scaled radiationintensity signal. In certain embodiments, the controller 502 scales theradiation intensity signal according to the base noise floor value (orthe updated filtered base noise floor value) by dividing the radiationintensity signal by the base noise floor value (or the updated filteredbase noise floor value) to generate the scaled radiation intensitysignal.

For example, if the radiation intensity signal can be a maximum of 1 v(at highest received intensity) and 0V (at a lowest received intensity),and if a particular radiation intensity signal sample value at aparticular time is 0.4V, and a particular base noise floor value at thatsame time is 0.8V, then the radiation intensity signal sample value(0.4V) is divided by the base noise floor value (0.8V) to be a scaledradiation intensity signal value of 0.5V (0.4/0.8=0.5). As mentionedabove, FIG. 6 shows a signal 604 that has been scaled (e.g., at 1V)according to the base noise floor values.

Utilizing such a scaled radiation intensity signal allows for greateraccuracy in seed detection, for example, by removing the effects of thenoise caused by the dust, which noise may otherwise create falsepositive or false negative seed detection events and can interfere withor distort the changes in the received intensity signal that are trulyattributable to a seed event.

As mentioned above, the controller 502 is also configured to count theobjects or seeds passing through the plane 222 of electromagneticradiation. The controller 502 may process the received radiationintensity signal, or may process the scaled radiation intensity signaldiscussed above in coordination with various seed detection algorithms.In certain approaches, the controller 502 can output a count of thenumber of objects or seeds that pass through the plane 222 ofsemi-columnated electromagnetic radiation. This output can be provided,for example, to the vehicle interfaces 512, which may in turn beprovided to the user interface 524. A seed count can then be provided toa user of the vehicle via the user interface 524, for example via one ormore displays or other interfaces of the vehicle. Alternatively, theseed count output can be used by the vehicle to automatically adjustoperations of the seeding machine 10 such as, for example, changingoperation of the seed meter 32 to alter its speed to match a target rateat which the seeds are output.

In certain approaches, the controller 502 can receive a selection of atype of seed that is passing through the passageway conduit. Forexample, a user of the vehicle may select a seed type that will beplanted via an interface, which selection can be communicated to thecontroller 502 via the vehicle interfaces 512. Example seed typesinclude soybean, wheat, canola, oat, barley, and rice. Additionally, inanother example, a user may select a seed delivery type, which may besingulation or volumetric. The controller 502 can also receive the seeddelivery type via the vehicle interfaces 512. In accordance with theseselections, the controller 502 can responsively select a processingalgorithm to implement during the processing of the radiation intensitysignals. In one example, the controller 502 use a pulse arbitrationalgorithm if the seed type is soybean. However, if the seed type iswheat or canola, and the delivery type is singulation, the controller502 may use a duty cycle algorithm. But, if the seed type is wheat orcanola, and the delivery type is volumetric, the controller 502 may usean enhanced duty cycle algorithm. These three algorithms are discussedbelow.

FIG. 9 illustrates different example radiation intensity signalsreceived for different seed types. Signal 902 shows an example radiationintensity signal received when detecting soybean seeds. Signal 904 showsan example radiation intensity signal received when detecting canolaseeds. Signal 906 shows an example radiation intensity signal receivedwhen detecting wheat seeds. As can be seen, each of these different seedtypes provides different signal characteristics and are processedaccording to the different algorithms.

One common aspect of the different algorithms is that no seed isdetected unless the controller 502 detects a pulse in the scaledradiation intensity signal that exceeds a first pulse detectionthreshold. A pulse duration may be the time the signal is outside of orexceeds the first pulse detection threshold. For example, with referenceto FIG. 9, the individual pulses of the signal 902 each may be outsideof or exceed (e.g., the inverse of the pulse is higher than thethreshold level) the first pulse detection threshold 908 forwell-defined periods of time. Similarly, different portions of thesignals 904 and 906 may be outside of or exceed the first pulsedetection thresholds 910 and 912. The controller 502 can thenresponsively determine that at least one seed passed through theelectromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of radiationdetectors during the pulse. One issue is then to determine how manyseeds are included within each pulse.

In one approach, the controller 502 implements a pulse arbitrationalgorithm to count the individual seeds. The inventors have discoveredthat the number of peaks and/or troughs present in a derivative of theradiation intensity signal is a fairly accurate way to detect multipleseeds within a single pulse. The controller 502 determines a derivativeof the pulse in the scaled radiation intensity signal. The controller502 then counts a number of peaks and troughs in the derivative of thepulse. In one approach, the peaks must be a positive slope value inorder to be counted and cannot be a peak in the derivative signal thatis still negative. Similarly, the troughs must be a negative slope valuein order to be counted and cannot be a trough in the derivative signalthat is still positive. In one example, the controller 502 takes thehigher of the number of peaks and troughs as the number of seeds thatwere present in the pulse. For example, the controller 502 may determinethat at least two peaks or at least two troughs exist in the derivativeof the pulse and responsively determine that two seeds passed throughthe electromagnetic radiation during the pulse.

FIG. 10 shows a set of signal diagrams, including a scaled radiationintensity signal 1002 showing a pulse that exceeds the first pulsedetection threshold 1004. Signal 1006 shows a derivative of the signal1002. The derivative signal 1006 includes a first peak at 1008, a firsttrough at 1010, a second peak at 1012, a second trough at 1014, a thirdpeak at 1016, and third trough at 1018, a fourth peak at 1020, and afourth trough at 1022. As is shown by signal 1024, which is a count ofthe number of detected peaks, and signal 1026, which is a count of thenumber of detected troughs, the controller 502 can count each of thepeaks and troughs. Signal 1024 increments by one count each at the firstpeak 1008, the second peak 1012, and the third peak 1016. However, itdoes not increment at the fourth peak 1020 because the value is stillnegative. Similarly, signal 1026 increments by one count each at thefirst trough 1010, the third trough 1018, and the fourth trough 1022.However, it does not increment at the second trough 1014 because thevalue is still positive. Thus, both the total peak and trough count areboth three. As such, the controller 502 can determine with a high levelof confidence that the pulse included three seeds. However, in certainembodiments, if the counted number of peaks was three while the countednumber of troughs was only two (or vice versa), the controller 502 canuse the higher of the count between the number of peaks and the numberof troughs as the seed count in the pulse.

In various approaches, certain aspects of the pulse in the radiationintensity signal (rather than derivative signal) can be used todetermine a number of seeds that pass. For example, the controller 502can determine that a height of the pulse exceeds a second pulsedetection threshold greater than the first pulse detection threshold,and responsively determine that at least two seeds passed through theelectromagnetic radiation during the pulse. In this situation, the veryhigh amplitude of the pulse indicates that at least two seeds werepresent during the pulse. Similarly, the controller 502 may determinethat a width of the pulse exceeds a pulse width detection threshold, andresponsively determine that at least two seeds passed through theelectromagnetic radiation during the pulse. In this situation, thelonger duration of the pulse indicates that at least two seeds werepresent during the pulse.

For example, with reference to FIG. 11, a radiation intensity signal1102 shows a large pulse that exceeds both the first pulse detectionthreshold level 1104 and the second pulse detection threshold 1106greater than the first 1104 to indicate that at least two seeds werepresent in the pulse. Similarly, the large pulse has a width or durationthat may exceed a pulse width detection threshold to indicate that atleast two seeds were present in the pulse. It is noted that although inthis particular example, the derivative signal 1108 only shows one peakand one pulse (resulting in a count of one seed), the controller 502 canrely on the height and/or the width or duration of the pulse to make adetermination that at least two seeds were present during the pulse.

In situations where high seed rates are utilized, and particularly withsmaller seeds, the above described pulse arbitration algorithm canbecome unreliable. Instead, a population count type of algorithm (suchas a duty cycle or an enhanced duty cycle algorithm) can be utilized toestimate the number of seeds based on various factors.

In various approaches, the controller 502 implements a duty cyclealgorithm. The controller 502 can detect a plurality of pulses in thescaled radiation intensity signal exceeding the first pulse detectionthreshold. The plurality of pulses each correspond to a plurality ofseeds passing through the electromagnetic radiation. The controller 502can determine an average pulse duty cycle of the plurality of pulses.There are at least two ways to calculate average pulse duty cycle. Onemethod is to average pulse duty directly. The other method is to useaverage pulse on duration and pulse spacing for a calculation using thefollowing equation:

AvgPulseDuty=AvgPulseOnDuration/AvgPulseSpacing

Using the calculated average pulse duty cycle, the controller 502 canestimate a number of seeds that pass through the electromagneticradiation during each pulse of the plurality of pulses. In one approach,the controller 502 may estimate the number of seeds per pulse using thefollowing equation:

SeedsPerPulse(AvgPulseDuty)=c0+c1*AvgPulseDuty+c2*AvgPulseDuty{circumflexover ( )}2

Coefficients c0, c1 and c2 are calibrated using test data at developmenttime, and may be calibrated for different seed types and/or seed sizes.In various embodiments, due to a nonlinearity of the curve, the curvemay be divided up to different sections, with each section having adifferent equation fit. FIG. 12 shows an example of a curve of theaverage duty cycle and the seeds per pulse for wheat seeds. The aboveequation is adjusted to fit such an example curve, and is thereafterutilized by the controller 502. Alternatively, different lookup tablesmay be created for different seed types based on the calibrated equationand curve (e.g., like the curve of FIG. 12), and the controller maysimply utilize an appropriate lookup table corresponding to a selectedseed type to determine a number of seeds per pulse based on the averageduty cycle.

In various approaches, the controller 502 implements an enhanced dutycycle algorithm. For test performed with volumetric delivery, it wasfound the duty cycle curve can become less accurate. With carefulexamination of data, the inventors discovered that incorporate pulsewidth as a second independent variable in a nonlinear regression curvefit turned out to effectively improve accuracy with volumetric delivery.Accordingly, the controller 502 may determine an average pulse width forthe plurality of pulses within the scaled radiation intensity signalthat exceed the first pulse detection threshold. The pulse width is thedistance between the start of consecutive pulses. The controller 502 canthen estimate, based on the average pulse duty cycle and the averagepulse width, the number of seeds that pass through the electromagneticradiation during each pulse of the plurality of pulses. In variousapproaches, the controller 502 may estimate the number of seeds perpulse using the following equation:

SeedsPerPulse(AvgPulseDuty,AvgPulseWidth)=p00+p10*AgPulseDuty+p01*AvgPulseWidth+p20*AvgPulseDuty{circumflexover ( )}2+p11*AvgPulseDuty*AvgPulseWidth

Coefficients p00, p10, p01, p20, and p11 are calibrated using test dataat development time, and may be calibrated for different seed typesand/or seed sizes. FIG. 13 shows an example of a curve of the estimatedseeds per pulse against the average duty cycle and the average pulsewidth for a particular seed type and/or seed size. Alternatively, lookuptables may be created based on the calibrated equation and curve (e.g.,like the curve of FIG. 13) for the different seed types and/or sizes,and the controller 502 may simply utilize an appropriate lookup tablefor a particular seed type and/or size to determine a number of seedsper pulse based on the average duty cycle and the average pulse duty.

So configured, an object detection device 500 and multiple differentmethods for use with the object detection device 500 are disclosed thateach serve to improve an object or seed counting accuracy of the objectdetection device 500. Additionally, with the use of such population typecounting algorithms, counting of smaller seeds (such as wheat, oat,barley, rice, and canola) can be achieved at very high rates, even ashigh as 600 seeds per second. This allows for faster planting whilemaintaining an accurate desired seed distribution.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms ofimplementing the claims. One skilled in the art will realize that avirtually unlimited number of variations to the above descriptions arepossible, and that the examples and the accompanying figures are merelyto illustrate one or more examples of implementations. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various other modificationscan be made, and equivalents can be substituted, without departing fromclaimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications can be made toadapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matterwithout departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore,it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject mattercan also include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims, and equivalents thereof.

In the detailed description above, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimedsubject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, methods, devices, or systems that would be known by one ofordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscureclaimed subject matter.

Various implementations have been specifically described. However, manyother implementations are also possible.

What is claimed is:
 1. An object detection device to detect moving objects passing through a passageway conduit, the object detection device comprising: a plurality of electromagnetic radiation (radiation) emitters arranged in a row; a plurality of first lenses arranged in a row on a first sidewall of the passageway conduit, wherein a number of the plurality of first lenses is commensurate in number to a number of the plurality of radiation emitters, wherein each one of the plurality of first lenses is configured to focus electromagnetic radiation emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of radiation emitters into a semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the plurality of first lenses together are configured to create a plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation that spans substantially across a width of the passageway conduit; a plurality of radiation detectors configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and output an electrical signal corresponding to an intensity of the received electromagnetic radiation; and a plurality of second lenses arranged in a row on a second sidewall of the passageway conduit opposite to the first sidewall and arranged to receive the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation, wherein a number of the plurality of second lenses is commensurate in number to a number of the plurality of radiation detectors, wherein each one of the plurality of second lenses is configured to focus a received portion of the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation onto a corresponding one of the plurality of radiation detectors.
 2. The object detection device of claim 1, further comprising: a diffusion layer disposed on a surface of the plurality of first lenses opposite from the plurality of emitters, the diffusion layer configured to diffuse the electromagnetic radiation exiting the plurality of first lenses to aid in generating the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation.
 3. The object detection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first lenses are configured such that an edge of a first semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation focused by a first lens of the plurality of first lenses overlaps with an edge of a second semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation focused by a second lens of the plurality of first lenses that is adjacent to the first semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation; and wherein the plurality of second lenses are configured such that a first lens of the plurality of second lenses associated with the first semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation also receives a portion of the second semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation and focuses the portion of the second semi-columnated beam of electromagnetic radiation onto a first radiation detector of the plurality of radiation detectors corresponding to the first lens of the plurality of second lenses.
 4. The object detection device of claim 1, wherein a number of the plurality of radiation emitters equals a number of the plurality of radiation detectors.
 5. The object detection device of claim 1, wherein the radiation emitters are infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and wherein the radiation detectors are IR photodiodes.
 6. The object detection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of semi-columnated beams of electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of first lenses each comprise a radiation channel between a corresponding radiation emitter and a corresponding radiation detector, and wherein the object detection device further comprises: a controller coupled to a memory device, the controller configured to: sample a radiation intensity signal corresponding to the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation of each radiation channel as received by the plurality of radiation detectors, wherein each radiation channel is time-varying and can vary from sample to sample; and store in the memory device the samples of each of the sampled radiation intensity signals.
 7. The object detection device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to: receive a radiation intensity signal corresponding to the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of radiation detectors; determine that a value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of a predetermined range; and in response to determining that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range, adjust an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of radiation emitters so that the value of the radiation intensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.
 8. The object detection device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined range corresponds to an optimal sensing range of at least one of the plurality of radiation detectors or an input of the controller that receives the radiation intensity signal.
 9. The object detection device of claim 7, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature associated with the plurality of radiation emitters and output a radiation emitter temperature signal; wherein the controller is further configured to: receive the radiation emitter temperature signal; and adjust an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of radiation emitters to account for electromagnetic radiation efficiency changes caused by temperature variations of the plurality of radiation emitters.
 10. The object detection device of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine that no moving objects are passing through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation; and determine that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range in response to determining that no moving objects are passing through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation.
 11. The object detection device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to: control operation of a first individual radiation emitter of the plurality of radiation emitters to emit electromagnetic radiation and control operation of a remainder of the plurality of radiation emitters to not emit electromagnetic radiation; receive a radiation intensity signal corresponding to an intensity of radiation received by at least a first individual radiation detector of the plurality of radiation detectors corresponding to the first individual radiation emitter; determine that a value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of a predetermined range; and in response to determining that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range, adjust an amount of electrical power supplied to the first radiation emitter to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiation emitter so that the value of the radiation intensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.
 12. The object detection device of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to: control operation of the remainder of the plurality of radiation emitters to emit electromagnetic radiation one at a time during different time segments; receive radiation intensity signals corresponding to intensities of electromagnetic radiation received by a remainder of the plurality of radiation detectors, each individual radiation detector of the remainder of the plurality of radiation detectors corresponding to an individual radiation emitter of the remainder of the plurality of radiation emitters and receiving the electromagnetic radiation during the different time segments; determine, for each individual radiation emitter, whether a value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range; and in response to determining that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range for an individual radiation emitter, adjust an amount of electrical power supplied to the individual radiation emitter to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the individual radiation emitter so that the value of the radiation intensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.
 13. The object detection device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to: receive a radiation intensity signal corresponding to the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of radiation detectors; process the radiation intensity signal to determine a number of the moving objects that pass through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation; and output a count of the number of objects that pass through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation.
 14. The object detection device of claim 13, wherein the moving objects comprise seeds, and wherein the controller is further configured to: receive a selection of a type of seed that is passing through the passageway conduit; and select a processing algorithm to implement during the processing of the radiation intensity signals according to the received selection of the type of seed.
 15. A seeding machine comprising the object detection device of claim 1, the seeding machine comprising a seed tube, wherein the seed tube comprises the passageway conduit, and wherein the moving objects comprise moving seeds passing through the seed tube.
 16. A method comprising: emitting electromagnetic radiation (radiation) by a plurality of radiation emitters arranged in a row; focusing, by a plurality of first lenses in a row on a first sidewall of a passageway conduit through which moving objects pass, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of radiation emitters into a plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation that spans substantially across a width of the passageway conduit; receiving, by a plurality of second lenses arranged in a row on a second sidewall of the passageway conduit opposite to the first sidewall, the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation; and focusing, by the plurality of second lenses, the received plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation onto a plurality of radiation detectors. receiving, by a controller, a radiation intensity signal corresponding to an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of radiation detectors; determining, by the controller, that a value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of a predetermined range; and in response to determining that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range, adjusting, by the controller, an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of radiation emitters so that the value of the radiation intensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: sensing, by a temperature sensor, a temperature associated with the plurality of radiation emitters and outputting a radiation emitter temperate signal to the controller; and adjusting, by the controller, the amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of radiation emitters to account for electromagnetic radiation efficiency changes caused by temperature variations of the plurality of radiation emitters.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: determining, by the controller, that no moving objects are passing through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation; and determining, by the controller, that the value of the radiation intensity signal is outside of the predetermined range in response to determining that no moving objects are passing through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: controlling, by the controller, operation of a first individual radiation emitter of the plurality of radiation emitters to emit electromagnetic radiation and control operation of a remainder of the plurality of radiation emitters to not emit electromagnetic radiation; receive, by the controller, a second radiation intensity signal corresponding to an intensity of electromagnetic radiation received by a first individual radiation detector of the plurality of radiation detectors corresponding to the first individual radiation emitter; determining, by the controller, that a value of the second radiation intensity signal is outside of a second predetermined range; and in response to determining that the value of the second radiation intensity signal is outside of the second predetermined range, adjusting, by the controller, an amount of electrical power supplied to the first radiation emitter to at least one of increase or decrease an intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiation emitter so that the value of the second radiation intensity signal changes to become within the second predetermined range.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: processing, by the controller, the radiation intensity signal to determine a number of the moving objects that pass through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation; and outputting a count of the number of objects that pass through the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the moving objects comprise seeds, the method further comprising: receiving, by the controller, a selection of a type of seed that is passing through the passageway conduit; and selecting, by the controller, a processing algorithm to implement during the processing of the radiation intensity signals according to the received selection of the type of seed.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein the passageway conduit comprises a seed passageway, and wherein the moving objects comprise seeds, the method further comprising: compensating for occlusion of the plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation caused by build-up of dust and seed particles on at least one of the plurality of first lenses or the plurality of second lenses by adjusting the amount of the electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters. 